'Tough approach to paedophiles not working'

12th September 2011, 1 comment

Society should be less hard on paedophiles. The current tough social climate is forcing them into isolation, which only increases the chance of re-offending.

Sexologist Erik van Beek made these statements in Monday’s edition of national newspaper . Mr Van Beek treats men with paedophile tendencies. He says they often feel lonely as a result of society’s harsh condemnation.

"It is all intended to protect children, but usually backfires,” Van Beek says.
“A convict is actually more likely to relapse if he cannot have contact with other adults. Tensions and frustration are often expressed sexually; in their case with children.

Sexologist Jelto Drenth advises men with paedophile tendencies to tell nobody about their feelings:
“Before you know it, stories will start circulating. It must be terrible: people with these feelings have nowhere to turn."